Obituary of Jack Lee Killough

Killough, Jack, age 74, of Arvada, Colorado passed away on May 14, 2023. Jack is remembered as a beloved partner, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. The son of Jean Marie and Avery Killough, he was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 5, 1949. As a toddler, he lived in Japan and as an adult, his adventurous spirit led him to live in cities from one coast of the United States to the other.

Jack received his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Colorado. He remained a proud alumni and devoted Buffs sports fan throughout his life.

As a young boy, Jack sold newspapers and donuts to help support his family. Continuing his talent for sales, he sold franchises for Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX Real Estate Companies and sold orthopedic implant parts for Zimmer Biomet. Jack of all trades and master of many, Jack was also a tax relocation expert. He spoke nationally, was a published author and had a Denver radio talk show on the ever-changing residential tax laws.

Jack was whip smart, funny and a great storyteller. Many of his stories were made of truth interwoven with fictional tidbits. An outspoken man of many opinions, he was an avid reader able to back up his opinions with fact. Jack was quirky-interesting, indeed. This was later partially

attributed to his diagnosis of Hydrocephalus. Those who knew him have their own stories to tell.

Jack was married three times and his record was 0 for 3. It was at his 40th high school reunion, that he met up with his partner of fifteen years, Elaine Zerger. That was the love relationship that “stuck”. Jack’s invitation to be travel mates developed into so much more.

Nothing was more important to Jack than family. During his third marriage to Michelle Birchak, Jack developed a fiercely loving relationship with her children, Sadie and Dillon. “Jack Dad” remained an important person in their lives and they in his. He readily embraced relationships with Elaine’s family members, as well.

Jack demonstrated great empathy for others. He volunteered at a variety of nonprofit agencies, earning him the Channel 9 Who Care Award, as well as an engraved brick at Volunteers of America.

In addition to being a Buffs fan, Jack was an ardent fan of the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, the Denver Nuggets and the Avalanche. He attended games frequently and later in life was a great armchair coach.

“Papa Jack” was an especially enthusiastic fan while watching his grandchildren participate in any sport.

Jack never followed a script for life and certainly didn’t at the end of his life. In addition to Hydrocephalus and related dementia, he was diagnosed with a rare form of Meningitis. Jack did not go gently into that good night.

Jack is survived by his partner, Elaine, his children, Sadie May Weilminster (Dominic), Dillon Grobe, “Grands” Scout and Addie May Weilminster, Elaine’s children, Nick Andrade (Melissa) Jordan Andrade (Amanda), Dan Andrade, “Grands” Justin, Matt, Lauren and Ophelia Andrade, his sisters Judy Ray and Jan Killough-Wilhelm (Gary) and nieces, Skylar and Saylor. Jack was predeceased by his mother, Jean, and his brother, Rick Killough.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 4th at Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 West 32nd Ave., Golden. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Meals on Wheels (VOA), Jefferson Unitarian Church or the Hydrocephalus Association. They further request that you listen to an Irish tune, dance a jig

or have a shot of Irish whiskey in honor of Jack’s Irish heritage.

Jack’s family would like to thank the hospice team at Lutheran Hospice Collier Center and the nursing staff at Mountain Vista Senior Center for their compassionate care.